Pedestrian Accidents Lawyer

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents happen all too frequently in Nova Scotia. The many hiking trails, walkways and sidewalks provide idyllic settings for pedestrians. But even when they take all the necessary precautions, anytime pedestrians are close to motor vehicles, bad things can happen. Pedestrians on foot, bicycle or any other self powered device, can face significant dangers associated with collisions with vehicles on the road. And most of the time, they are due to distracted drivers on the road.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Nova Scotia, contact a pedestrian accident lawyer that can help. They may be able to help you get compensation for your injuries.

Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

In most cases, drivers of cars, trucks and other vehicles using the same roadways as those out walking are to blame for pedestrian accidents. Drivers have a responsibility to watch for pedestrians and do everything they can to avoid crashing into them. Unfortunately, there are are many ways a driver can be negligent which can result in accidents. Examples include the following:

Speeding

Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs

Failing to yield to pedestrians crossing at an intersection, even when a crosswalk is present

Distracted driving, such as texting, changing radio stations, or eating while driving

Pedestrians often do not expect to become hurt while they are out walking. More often than not, accidents happen in a blink of an eye, making it difficult for the victim to identify the circumstances that led up to the collision. Fortunately, a pedestrian accident lawyer can help put the pieces together and help the victim determine the cause of the accident.

Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries

Unlike vehicles that protect drivers with a metal frame, airbags and other kinds of protection surrounding them, pedestrians are left completely exposed to whatever may crash into them. It is because of this that when pedestrian accidents happen, the injuries are typically severe and in some cases, even fatal.

Head injuries, which are some of the worst an individual can suffer, are extremely common in pedestrian accidents. This is especially true in the case of children because their heads are quite level with the front or back of a vehicle that strikes them. But even when an adult is struck they can fall onto the vehicle or ground, leaving them with significant head injuries.

Fractures to the skull, traumatic brain injuries, and concussions are the most common injuries to the head in pedestrian accidents.

Spine and neck injuries can stem from those head injuries, or they can be present without any evidence of damage to the head or brain. Older individuals can be particularly susceptible to these injuries, especially when they are dealing with conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

Spinal and neck injuries can result in paralysis, difficulty breathing with the need to be placed on a respirator, nerve damage and problem with bladder and bowel functions.

After head, spine and neck injuries, injuries to the lower body are the most common that are seen in pedestrian accidents. This is often where the vehicle will initially strike and so, they can absorb the most amount of damage often resulting in broken bones, torn ligaments, and internal bleeding.

The severity of the injuries caused by pedestrian accidents can result in medical expenses not covered by province’s health care system, and lost income due to the victim being unable to work while they recover. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help victims recoup those losses.

Reverse Onus in Pedestrian Accidents

In Nova Scotia, there is a reverse onus on drivers in the case of pedestrian accidents. This means that pedestrians do not have to prove the driver was negligent, but that the driver must prove they did not hit the pedestrian, or the pedestrian was the cause of the accident.

Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today

Drivers strive to prove this rigorously, even when the facts are clear. It is for this reason that if you have been in a pedestrian accident, you need to speak to a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. They will fight to protect your rights and get you any compensation you may be entitled to.